Solar Financing in Minnesota: Cash, Loan — and Why We Don't Sell Leases
There are good ways to pay for solar and there’s the lease trap. Here’s how we think about it — ownership first.
How you pay shapes what you keep. The core split: do you own the system or does someone else?
Cash
The simplest path and the lowest lifetime cost — no interest, no fees. You own everything and keep all the savings, the net-metering value, and the home-value lift.
Solar loan
A loan lets you own the system with little or nothing down, often at a monthly payment near your old utility bill — so you’re buying an asset instead of renting power. The one thing to watch: a very low advertised APR often hides a big dealer fee in the system price. Always compare the cash price to the financed price. We work with straightforward lenders and show you both.
Why we don’t do residential leases or PPAs
A lease or power-purchase agreement means a third party owns the panels on your roof for 20-25 years. You get a smaller discount, complicated home sales, and none of the asset value. In Minnesota, iSolar is ownership-only for homeowners — we want the value on your balance sheet, not a leasing company’s.
Businesses and farms have more tools
Commercial and agricultural customers can use PACE financing and PPAs, and stack the 30% ITC plus depreciation. Different rules, different math — see financing.
Frequently asked.
Is a solar loan a good idea?
It can be, if the cash price and financed price are close. A huge gap means you’re paying a hidden dealer fee for the low APR.
Why avoid a residential lease?
You don’t own the asset, the savings are smaller, and it can complicate selling your home. Ownership keeps the value yours.
Have a question we haven't covered?
Talk to a local iSolar expert — free, no pressure. Call (651) 565-1140.